Interface flooring solutions have been specified for next-generation learning spaces at Antwerp International School.

As the Antwerp International School (AIS) settled back into in-person learning following the pandemic, it did so with a new STEM-focused institution that gives students the power to choose how they learn. This is a learning environment like no other. AIS contracted tp bennett to transform one of its buildings into a STEMzone. With a focus on a holistic approach to education, the new space features a flexible collaboration zone, fabrication lab, materials workshop, multi-purpose science labs and inviting social areas. To ensure the design delivered a dynamic learning environment, tp bennett turned to Interface to supply a suite of inspiring, sustainable and durable flooring solutions.

Design that educates
AIS’s vision was for an environment where students could really experiment. For the fabrication and materials labs (as well as a cutting-edge robotics unit), tp bennett chose Interface’s noraplan® valua and sentica rubber sheet flooring collections for a robust yet beautiful slip- and fire-resistant solution.

Andy Mathews, Account Manager at Interface, said: “The rubber floor covering is designed for heavy use, in this case to allow students to get hands on in practical science and technology lessons. Acoustics was another key consideration on this project, and noraplan®’s high footfall sound absorption is perfect for keeping classes from disturbing one another.”

Jane Crowhurst, director at tp bennett, said: “The noraplan flooring from Interface will ensure that the labs and workshops stay intact and looking great. We saw for ourselves during the build how easy it is to clean and maintain – it was doing for us in the construction process what it’s doing for the school now.”

Design that inspires
The STEMzone wasn’t just about giving students space to test their ideas. The brief given to tp bennett was to design a space that inspired and engaged students to embrace their own creativity and tell their own stories.

As a result, soft furniture with high-quality fabrics was chosen for social and informal teaching areas. “The luxurious design chosen for breakout areas is a deliberate departure from the functional and robust design employed elsewhere in the space. We wanted to show students how valued they are and the STEMzone today is proof that if you provide beautiful, well detailed spaces, students will value and look after them.” said Jane.

Elements of biophilia throughout the design encourage students to look to the natural environment for beauty and inspiration. Interface’s Human Collections carpet tile collection was chosen for social and collaboration areas, in the Kerbstone, Moss, and Moss in Stone textures, all of which are inspired by the boundaries between the natural and human-made worlds.

Jane said: “The Interface carpet is one of the design choices that’s attracted attention and admiration from students, teachers, parents and the project team. The mix of the stone and moss, and the natural transition between the two, will help students situate themselves and their work within the larger natural world.”

Design that empowers
A driving force behind the new design was giving students the power to choose how they learn best and provide for neurodiverse students who could struggle to learn effectively without the right space.

Areas in the new design are coded according to a scale, from very low stimulation, including intimate break-out zones and enclosed focus areas, to very high stimulation, such as the event and showcase spaces. This level of flexibility enables staff and students to pick the level that’s right for them or their class.

To minimise the environmental impact of the project, tp bennett established a clear hierarchy of waste that made sure every possible option was explored before anything was disposed of. This commitment carried through to the specification of Interface flooring – all of the company’s flooring products are carbon neutral across their entire lifecycle. Additionally, when they’re no longer needed at AIS, the products can be taken back through the company’s ReEntry programme, diverting them from landfill.

The right impact
The way staff and students at AIS teach and learn in STEM, design and technology subjects has been transformed. The new design equips them with what they need, but also unlocks new methods of teaching and learning that will prepare students better for life beyond AIS.

Andreas Koini, Head of School at Antwerp International School, added: “The STEMzone is a perfect representation of the future of education, and we’re seeing the benefits already as students and teachers embrace this new way of learning. Now that we’re here, it’s hard to imagine any other way.”

Contact Details
For more information about Interface, please visit www.interface.com